Q: As a 2023 Women of Achievement honoree, you’ve been recognized for outstanding leadership. Different times seem to call for different strengths, not to mention that the idea of women in top leadership positions is especially timely right now. So, what do you feel are the most important leadership qualities for the times we are in now?
Mary Martuscelli
Regional Executive, Western U.S.
U.S. Bank
Sector: Banking
Today, leadership is more important than ever. Our country is very politicized and it is difficult to get things done. Many people feel stressed in their personal and work lives. The most important leadership qualities today are:
1. Communication. It is critical to have open, honest, two-way communication, including effective cross-cultural communication. This includes actively listening to the other person and trying to understand their viewpoint even if you do not agree with it.
2. Respect. This is one of the most important qualities a leader can demonstrate. Leaders must be able to demonstrate respect for each other, respect for process and respect for our country. Leaders make it a point to interact with people from all different backgrounds to understand their perspective on things.
3. Self-Awareness and Accountability. Strong leaders know their strengths and weaknesses so they can fill in the gaps where appropriate. Emotional intelligence is critical to self-awareness and always taking accountability for one’s actions. Leaders have high integrity and ethical standards.
4. Positivity. Good leaders are positive, enthusiastic and believe in their employees, which in turn creates motivated and engaged employees. They lead by example and encourage others to think strategically for the good of the organization, community or country. Good leaders always stay authentic. They develop and mentor others.
Mary Martuscelli has spent her entire career in the financial services industry with U.S. Bank and J.P.Morgan Chase, holding senior management roles in wealth management, corporate banking, strategic planning and human resources. She has also served in leadership positions on many community boards, among which are chair of the Arizona Science Center and chair of Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.
Mona Stone
Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona
Sector: Nonprofit
Strong and impactful leaders in today’s business climate must leverage a diverse skillset, and crucial to these skills is a leader’s ability to connect with members of her team while providing a positive and dynamic work environment that fosters growth, inclusivity and resiliency.
In my opinion, integrity, empathy and learning agility are three of the most important leadership traits that we inspire in all our leaders and our future leaders here at GCNA.
Integrity ensures that our leaders act ethically and build trust through transparency, allowing us to foster a constructive and driven work environment.
Demonstrating empathy allows our leaders to understand and connect with the many different perspectives within their teams, facilitating stronger relationships, greater motivation and a more inclusive workplace.
And learning agility enables our leaders to adapt to change, embrace new challenges and continuously improve their processes to ensure that our organization remains resilient, effective and forward-thinking in today’s ever-changing world.
Together, these three traits inspire trust, strengthen relationships and enable adaptability, all of which are essential for effective and impactful leadership in business today.
Recipient of the 2022 “Outstanding In-House Counsel of the Year Award” by the State Bar of Arizona and with more than 25 years of wide-ranging experience as an attorney and compliance specialist, Mona Stone serves as executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona.
Monica Villalobos
President & CEO
Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Sector: Business Development
Being a leader in today’s business environment is completely different from even 10 years ago — due not only to the focus on DEI but also a workforce comprising three or four generations. The younger workforce and the older workforce complement and learn from each other, providing a solid foundation on which to build the organization’s future.
The ability to understand the value of lessons learned yet look to the rapidly evolving future while anticipating changing development business trends and mindsets is vital for the organization to thrive long-term.
Visions and missions have evolved to meet the ever-changing business environment. Being completely committed to the vision and mission to avoid deviation and distraction from the ultimate purpose is vital; and to which the selection, hiring, and onboarding of personnel should conform to ensure low turnover and long-term commitment and engagement.
Today, with teams working remotely and international business being conducted virtually, understanding cross-cultural behavior becomes even more important. Internal processes and procedures are crucial to assure that daily operations are conducted smoothly.
Working with an inspirational leader is most rewarding and professionally fulfilling.
Monica Villalobos is the president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where she is responsible for the strategic growth initiatives of the Chamber and is the operator of the Phoenix MBDA business center. Her background as a corporate marketing executive, entrepreneur and editor of 18 research publications over the last seven years result in a unique combination of skill, talent and broad experience.
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